LONDON TOWNSHIP CARGO CONTAINER ORDINANCE ORD NO 09-03-2026-01: DATE OF ADOPTION March 9, 2026 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE ZONING ORDINANCE TO DEFINE AND REGULATE CARGO CONTAINERS THE TOWNSHIP OF LONDON HEREBY ORDAINS: Section 1. Addition of Definitions to Article 2 of the Township Zoning Ordinance The following definitions are added to Article 2 of the Township Zoning Ordinance, consistent with the existing ordering of definitions in that section: Cargo Container. Any metal or primarily metal container designed or constructed to ship, store, or handle bulk goods or items, or which appears substantially similar to such containers in appearance. Such containers include reusable steel boxes, freight containers, and bulk shipping containers; originally, a standardized reusable vessel that was designed for and used in the parking, shipping, movement, transportation or storage of freight, articles of goods or commodities; generally capable of being mounted or moved on a rail car, or loaded on a ship. Portable Storage Container. A portable or moveable, weather resistant receptacle designed and used for the storage or shipment of household goods, wares, valuables or merchandise (ie. PODS or MODS), and which is typically leased on a short-term basis for temporary storage purposes. Section 2. Addition of New Section 6.18, entitled "Cargo Containers and Portable Storage Containers." New Section 6.18, currently designated as "Reserved," entitled "Cargo Containers and Portable Storage Containers," is added to the Township's Zoning Ordinance and reads as follows: Section 6.18 — Cargo Containers and Portable Storage Containers A. Cargo Containers. Cargo containers are permitted as an accessory use in all zoning districts subject to the requirements of this Section. The following regulations apply to all cargo container use: 1. Cargo containers shall not be stacked above the height of a single container device. 2. Cargo containers shall meet all required setbacks. 3. Cargo containers shall be located in rear yards with the exception that cargo containers may be allowed in the side yard but not forward of the front building. 4. Cargo containers must be screened so as to not be visible from the street or nearby buildings, drives, and roads. 5. Cargo containers shall not be used to store hazardous materials, as defined by the Michigan Fire Prevention Code, 1941 PA 207, MCL 29.1 et seq. 6. Cargo containers shall not occupy required off-street parking, fire lanes, loading or landscaping areas. 7. No cargo container shall be placed in a location which may cause hazardous conditions or constitute a threat to public safety. 8. No cargo container may be used as living quarters. 9. No structural modifications may be made to cargo containers. B. Cargo Containers for Permanent Storage. Cargo containers may be permanently placed on the property for storage purposes upon issuance of a land use permit from the Zoning Administrator. The following regulations shall also apply: 1. All applicable building regulations are followed. 2. A solid foundation (road base material/gravel or better) is required. 3. Cargo containers shall be painted in solid colors (colors which blend into the surrounding area). 4. Cargo containers shall not be used for any advertising purpose and shall be kept clean of all alpha-numeric signage and writing. 5. Any writing or graffiti that may be placed on the container is the responsibility of the property owner and shall be promptly removed. C. Cargo Containers for Temporary Use. Property owners will be required to obtain a temporary land use permit (Section 6.09) from the Zoning Administrator for the temporary use of cargo containers. The following regulations shall also apply: 1. Cargo containers shall be removed from the property within 180 calendar days from the date of initial placement. Property owners are allowed one additional period of up to 180 days. 2. Cargo containers associated with an approved building construction project shall be permitted to remain on-site until the earlier occurrence of approval of the project's final building inspection or the expiration of the building permit. D. Portable Storage Containers. Portable storage containers are permitted as an accessory use in all zoning districts upon issuance of a temporary land use permit (Section 6.09) from the Zoning Administrator and shall adhere to the following restrictions: 1. No portable storage container may be stacked on top of another or on top of any other object. 2. Portable storage containers shall not be used to store hazardous materials, as defined by the Michigan Fire Prevention Code, 1941 PA 207, MCL 29.1 et seq. 3. Portable storage containers used in a residential district or associated with a residential use must be placed on a driveway or paved area. 4. Portable storage containers used in a non-residential district or associated with a nonresidential use shall not occupy required off-street parking, loading or landscaping areas. 5. No portable storage container shall be placed in a location which may cause hazardous conditions or constitute a threat to public safety. 6. No portable storage container may be used for living quarters. 7. Portable storage containers may not be placed on a vacant lot, unless that lot is associated with an approved building construction project. 8. Time Limits. a. Portable storage containers shall be removed from the property within 180 calendar days from the date of initial placement. Property owners are allowed one additional period of up to 180 days. b. Portable storage containers associated with an approved building construction project shall be permitted to remain on-site until the earlier occurrence of approval of the project's final building inspection or the expiration of the building permit. E. Referral to Planning Commission. At any time after receipt of an application for a cargo container or portable storage container pursuant to this Section, the Zoning Administrator may elect to refer the application for review and approval by the Planning Commission at no additional cost to the applicant. Section 3. Validity and Severability. If any portion of this Ordinance is found invalid for any reason, such holding will not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Ordinance. Section 4. Repealed. All other ordinances inconsistent with the provisions of this Ordinance are hereby repealed to the extent necessary to give this Ordinance full force and effect. Section 5. Effective Date. This Ordinance takes effect seven days after publication as provided by law. This Ordinance Amendment is hereby declared to have been adopted and passed by the London Township Board of Trustees, County of Monroe, State of Michigan, at a regular meeting thereof duly called and held on the 9th of March 2026. Ordinance #09-03-2026-01 will be effective 7 days after publishing. The complete Zoning Ordinance can be viewed during normal business hours at the London Township Hall 13613 Tuttlehill Rd., Milan, MI 48160 Anita Straub London Township Clerk March 15 2026 LPET0478580